The result of a philosophy and culture on pause
It's sad to be so negative after only four games, but in life I live in the moment, so right now the Habs are turning me negative. When things get better, the tone will change, obviously.
Let's talk about the corporate philosophy and culture that has been in place since Shea Weber arrived. By the way, where are they hiding? It's easy to see now that it was all down to a few threads.
The culture was driven by Shea Weber, Carey Price, Joel Edmundson, Paul Byron, Corey Perry and Phillip Danault, who, along with Brendan Gallagher, formed last year's leadership group.
It was rock solid, it seemed unshakeable, and then many fans saw how powerful leadership is. For Guy Boucher and myself, it is THE most important aspect of a team and of everyday life.
In spite of this big strength in the CH in 2021, only a few months later, this solidity has become a weakness until now. We no longer have the identity that Marc Bergevin had established... and that he has not been able to bring back this year. At least, so far.
"A team's identity starts at the top, and Marc Bergevin is the one with the mandate to make sure that a corporate philosophy is in place. Without Weber and Price, the culture that is so important to building a team is on the way out. While Brendan Gallagher is a player who is capable of providing leadership, he obviously needs help. Right now, he has to look around the locker room and ask himself who could support him a little bit." - Renaud Lavoie
Bergevin's situation is pulling juice. A lot. Geoff Molson's absence bothers. A lot. But these two men must not forget that the team remains more important than anything else. They must bring back a philosophy and a culture quickly.
Except that philosophy is currently on pause as Bergevin waits for Molson to kick him out or decide to extend his contract. Distractions, as Lavoie pointed out, are a franchise's worst enemy.
Do you get it?
